9 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
9 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Is Shopify or Big Commerce worth the switch?

by overtonis
7 replies
  • ECOMMERCE
    • |
I really want to make move to hosted ecommerce but hidden cost and lack of quality templates is making it a hard decision.

1. If you want to run discounts/sale on shopify you need to upgrade to professional plan ($79 month). Is this for real?? So with basic plan ($29 month) you can't run sales or promo?

2. Shopify template designs look like downgrade in style and presentation from opencart themes (that run for about $40).

3. Monthly fees + transaction fees for what? I am still asking myself. Is it just for little more security? Haven't had time to really dig into Big Commerce but I expect more of same.

For those who made the switch can you point out how it has made your business/your life better?
#big #commerce #shopify #switch #worth
  • Profile picture of the author Adrianx24
    I'm also trying to decide if using Shopify or Bigcommerce. I tried the 14 day trial of both and I really like Shopify, but Bigcommerce has more features. The cons of Shopify is the 2% transaction fee and the cons of Bigcommerce (for me) is the lack of themes (outdated themes). Choosing a good theme for me is very important. Shopify it seems to be more easy to use and they have a great blog, forums, and help resources. I don't know if you have to upgrade to professional to use discounts...sorry
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8554291].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author TheGreatDress
      Originally Posted by Adrianx24 View Post

      I'm also trying to decide if using Shopify or Bigcommerce. I tried the 14 day trial of both and I really like Shopify, but Bigcommerce has more features. The cons of Shopify is the 2% transaction fee and the cons of Bigcommerce (for me) is the lack of themes (outdated themes). Choosing a good theme for me is very important. Shopify it seems to be more easy to use and they have a great blog, forums, and help resources. I don't know if you have to upgrade to professional to use discounts...sorry
      Now if you choose to get Shopify Payments they will waive the 2.5% fee or any fee schedule for your account. But you will still be charged the Credit Card processing fees by using Shopify payments product. This products was release few weeks ago, so do a search, there's a lot help sections about the gateway. The good thing about their website free themes is you get to optimize the settings, look and feel, you get more options and help as Adrianx24 said.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8555113].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Simon Walker
    Why don't you add some other options like Magento and Prestashop ?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8554321].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author OnlineStoreHelp
    Originally Posted by overtonis View Post

    I really want to make move to hosted ecommerce but hidden cost and lack of quality templates is making it a hard decision.

    1. If you want to run discounts/sale on shopify you need to upgrade to professional plan ($79 month). Is this for real?? So with basic plan ($29 month) you can't run sales or promo?

    2. Shopify template designs look like downgrade in style and presentation from opencart themes (that run for about $40).

    3. Monthly fees + transaction fees for what? I am still asking myself. Is it just for little more security? Haven't had time to really dig into Big Commerce but I expect more of same.

    For those who made the switch can you point out how it has made your business/your life better?
    1: yes, correct, you can not run discounts and you do not get access to real time shipping quotes if you need them.
    2. check themeforest as they have a couple shopify themes on the site.
    3. go with Stripe in Canada, US and Ireleand and that fee is waived.
    my comments
    4. If you have tons of categories and sub-categories, shopify is not the best solution in my opinion.
    5. if you want more control of the look and feel, check out corecommerce and maybe americommerce. Core commerce gave a lot of control on the look and feel and americommerce is real close to opensouce with its widgets and snapins you can include. Plus they provide for subscription pricing.
    6. I have a few walk throughs on my site if you need.
    7. Just got done using Volusion with one client and what a nightmare, I will never put another client on them ever again.
    8. I love bigcommerce but it just may not provide the freedom you want. They have come out with a few more modern themes but at the same time, they are almost a better fit for the newbie since changing some things requires you to dig into the code more.
    Signature
    Learn how to set up a powerful, functional yet easy to use e-commerce website at cartprep.com.

    Not sure what ecommerce solution to use? Watch my video walk through of popular shopping carts.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8556468].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kite6w
    Hi Overtonis,

    I am using BC right now. It is very easy to use and has many useful add-on. I like it because I can set it up easily and market the site immediately via ebay, ppc, etc...Product import and export are good, but there is a little learning curve to it. Just make sure to double check via preview first before uploading the csv file. The downside is probably the prize which BC might be a little more expensive. BC is currently adding some new templates, not sure about shopify though.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8556531].message }}

Trending Topics